Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Redmi Note 12S. These phones occupy a similar space in the mid-range market, but some key differences under the hood make them appeal to slightly different users. I'll break down what matters most, from a tech perspective, and relate that to your daily grind.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | Both phones are practically identical in size, meaning they’ll feel similar in hand. |
| Weight | 179g | 176g | Negligible difference in weight. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both offer basic protection from scratches and minor impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.43" | Identical display size; both are good for media consumption and everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Sharp and detailed visuals on both phones, great for text and media. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 409 PPI | Consistent sharpness and clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks, ideal for watching videos and browsing photos. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations, improving responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1000 nits | Good visibility even in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 (6nm) | Helio G96 (12nm) | Key difference: Helio G96 offers better CPU and GPU performance for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 314,000 | 412,400 | The Note 12S will feel significantly faster and smoother in everyday tasks and gaming compared to Note 11. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Mali-G57 MC2 will provide better performance, especially when gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | 108MP (f/1.8, 1/1.52", 0.7µm) | Major upgrade: Note 12S captures more detailed photos with a larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.1", 1.12µm) | 16MP (f/2.4) | Slightly better selfies on the Note 12S with more detail and sharpness. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Similar performance for wide-angle shots. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm) | N/A | Note 11 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, the 12S relies on software for depth effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Identical performance for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Standard 1080p video quality on both devices. |
| Camera Features | Quad Camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, HDR, Night Mode | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, HDR, Night Mode | The Note 11 has a dedicated depth sensor, while the Note 12S skips this to improve the main camera's performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should easily last a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Similar fast charging speeds mean comparable recharge times. |
| Features | Reverse charging, non-removable | Reverse charging, non-removable | Both devices offer battery sharing with another device. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 13 | Android 13 | The Note 12S has the latest Android OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Identical Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Newer Bluetooth on the Note 12S offers slightly better connectivity and energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Identical GPS performance. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM use. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | Similar storage options available, plenty of space for apps and photos. |
| RAM | 4 GB, 6 GB, 8 GB | 6 GB, 8 GB | The Note 12S starts with 6 GB of RAM, ensuring smoother performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Note 12S offers slightly better audio quality with Hi-Res support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Identical fingerprint sensor tech |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity sensor | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity sensor | Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11:
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 11 is a solid all-rounder, with a good display, decent performance for everyday tasks, and a reliable camera setup for the price. The main selling points are its balanced features and affordability. It also comes with a dedicated depth sensor.
- Competitive Advantages: It can be found at a lower price and has a more balanced camera approach with a dedicated depth sensor.
Trade-Offs: The main trade-off is that the chipset is slightly weaker than the Redmi Note 12S and an older Android version. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S:
Strengths: The Note 12S shines with a more powerful chipset, resulting in noticeably smoother performance, especially for gaming. The 108MP camera is a big leap, offering significantly better image quality.
- Competitive Advantages: It boasts better performance for gaming and demanding apps, a significantly improved camera, and a newer Bluetooth version.
- Trade-Offs: The Note 12S does not have a dedicated depth sensor, and therefore relies more on software for portrait mode effects.
Experience Differences:
- Daily Use: The Note 12S will feel snappier, especially when multitasking or running more demanding apps. The camera is a clear win for photography enthusiasts.
- Gaming: The Helio G96 in the 12S provides a far more enjoyable gaming experience than the Snapdragon 680 in the Note 11.
- Media: Both have excellent AMOLED displays, but the 12S provides richer audio with Hi-Res support.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Redmi Note 11: Best suited for budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks, casual gaming, and decent photos. It's great for students, social media users, and anyone who wants a good all-rounder without breaking the bank.
- Redmi Note 12S: Ideal for users who prioritize performance, gaming, and photography. This phone is perfect for mobile gamers, content creators, and anyone who wants a more premium experience without spending flagship money.
Use Cases:
- Note 11: Perfect for browsing social media, watching videos, using productivity apps, and taking casual photos.
- Note 12S: Excels at gaming, high-resolution photography, and running demanding apps, and provides higher quality audio playback.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
How important is gaming and performance to you? If you play demanding mobile games frequently or use apps that are resource intensive, the Note 12S is the clear choice. If light gaming and browsing are your focus, the Note 11 is a good choice.
Do you prioritize camera quality? The 108MP camera on the Note 12S is a significant upgrade. If mobile photography is important to you, the 12S will be more satisfying. If you are just looking for a decent camera, the Note 11 will be good.
What is your budget? The Note 11 is generally more affordable, making it a great option if you're on a tight budget. The Note 12S provides better features, but for a higher price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget User:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11. It’s reliable, affordable, and suitable for everyday use.
- Scenario 2: Enthusiast User:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. The improved performance and camera are worth the slightly higher price.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S offers a balance of better features and performance.
My Choice
If I had to pick between these two, I would go for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. The enhanced performance from the Helio G96 chipset is a notable advantage for my daily use, and the 108MP camera is a significant upgrade for photography. The trade-off of a dedicated depth sensor for the main camera's improved performance is a fair trade in my opinion, especially with the better audio quality and newer software. Although the Redmi Note 11 is a great budget option, the improvements in the 12S make it the better choice for a better overall experience.
